My first run with cellulitis - such bullsh*t.

The biggest challenge was managing to eat at all the right times. I really had to eat more to deal with the se's of the drugs.

Yogurt was key.

I liked the levaquin because I could take it with a yogurt at night, and I was just queesy in the AM's.

The other antibiotics had me queesy and eating all day. I had to eat every 45 minutes.

Nordy, I'm so glad it's responding quickly, and the collective wisdom of the women on this board is amazing--hope that cough goes away soon also.

Kira

Nordy, I'm thinking of you. Glad things are getting better, but still--I hate that you're going through this at all. What's with this crazy journey we're on???

Here's hoping you'll be back on your bike real soon!

Anne

Nordy!!!!!  I just read this - I've been out of town over the weekend. 

I am so sorry you have been dealing with cellulitis - it sucks like a hoover vaccuum.  I had it last July and was so p.o.'ed about the whole thing...you are so right about it being the gift that keeps on giving.

And the worst part besides feeling like crap, is that it messes with my head.  I feel so bad and just go into this tailspin of I wanna die/crawl under my bed/stick a pen in someone's eyeball.  It's not pretty.  Kira says le causes an emotional reaction that is hormonal in nature when we flare...I think she's right.  It's like pms x a gagillion.

Hang in there.  I'm so glad you're feeling better and responding to the antibiotics...I guess I'm just going to have to stay in town and monitor you women so that nobody has a crisis!!!!! 

Nordy, glad to hear you are doing better.  I am amazed at how quickly mine has gotten better in just 2 weeks after it taking months the first time.  Just have a couple small areas and no streaks. I think that doing the MLD has helped it to clear up a little faster as well.  Hoping that you continue to improve.  NJ

Nordy, glad you're on the mend--hope you're feeling better every day.Hope the puppy is cheering you up.

Suzy--how do you do it? Crack me up with your totally on target, yet hysterically funny honesty--could we collect the posts as the LE chronicals? Please don't leave town again!

Kira

Nordy, I used to hive with a bunch of antibiotics, and worked with an eccentric but thorough allergist who made his own serum to test me, and the skin tests came back negative--so I just make sure I'm always on allegra.

I've definitely seen people "treat through" a minor skin rash. But this is just the last thing you need.

Hope it's so much better today.

Kira

I'm allergic to ABX - welts/hives/rash within 12 hours.  I hope Benedryl works well for you.  Anymore, I have to be formally desensitized at the allergist's in order to be on them.  There is a formula which uses the first dose, broken down into exponential doses, and given every 15 minutes for 4 hours, which allows you to continue with the dosing.

Nordy- I had Cellulitis in my left TE in August and had to have it removed.  Even after surgery, the infection still came back.  I too had severe allerigies to the abx.  If it doesn't clear up (It sounds like it will) but, ask your PS about Zyvox.  My doc said it is over 99% effective.  It is similiar to Vancomycin.  It should keep you from having to get IV abx again.  Just thought I'd chime in here, not just for you but for everyone dealing with cellulitis.  I will say, the Zyvox rx was $3000.00 without insurance, but Pfizer has a financial program if you need it and the PS or whomever can fill out the paperwork and get it for you free or at a siginificantly reduced rate.  And, fyi....my insurance did cover the Zyvox after the doctor explained that I had already been on Bactrim, Keflex, and Clyndamicin with no relief.  Hope things keep getting better for you.  Take Care!  Allison

Nordy - so great that you're feeling better!

Nordy, next problem: don't overdo! Tempting, but easy does it!

Happy hugs,
Binney

I am so sorry to hear you have LE and then the cellulitis. I reacted to every type of drain tube known to the medical field and developed celulitis with each surgery...I had 3 surgeries in a month so I was maxed on the atb  I was not allergic to, so I feel your pain and frustration with my mastectomy they had to scrape the chest wall. As the cellulitis remounted its third attack drains plugged and were pulled...so I used sticky thick KOTEX inside a sports bra for drainage. The infection when it starts makes you feel tired and just not right before it rears its ugly head! I am a super allergic patient so it was a challenge for everyone. I keep little first aid kits with me and it seems I am allergic to the ports the mini intracaths and everything but stainless needles...I always have these purple bruises but I will take that over cellulitis any day. I am always checking the Iv sites for redness or swelling... atb, ice and warm packs helped. My prayers are with you. Take care.

anumacha- I too had a horrible reaction to the drains.  I thought I just had a seroma or something and none of the doctors would listen to me.  Turned out to be cellulitis and of course if wouldn't go away, even after removing the TE.  My new PS did not use drains and so far so good.  (knock on wood)  Anyway, once you have had trouble with cellulitis (infections) etc.  You definitely become more aware of how your body reacts.  It is scary for sure.  Sorry for all the pain you are having to endure, but glad to hear things seem to be going good now.  take care.  Allison

KS, your post took my breath away.

I am constantly amazed at the women I get to 'meet' on here.  I can't believe all of the crap we have to go through because of bc, but we do get through it, and women like you show me how to do it with class.

Thanks for that.